Discover Balncea Future

2019 SPECIAL ENGLISH EDITION

A Magazine from Japan

Discover the ance bal for futurethe

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS REGAINING LOST BRAIN FUNCTION NEXT-GENERATION STAND-ALONE ELECTRICAL POWER + MUCH MORE DEAD LEAF Camouflaged BUTTERFLY Creatures Japanese Name: Konohacho Scientific Name: Kallima inachus Features Discover the Balance for the Future Regaining lost brain function for sensing movement 4 eep within the dim tropical forest, a single dead on its wings. The patterns include A new rehabilitation technique and its future Dleaf seems caught in a tree trunk. However, colors like brown, red and grey, and when a Euchirinae scarab beetle approaches, the elements closely resembling leaf Next-generation stand-alone electrical power generated 6 leaf spreads its wings and flies away. Its wings have veins and holes. It can easily blend a dazzling brilliance, the pattern a bluish-purple and into scenery with many kinds of by transforming various forms of energy into electricity orange reminiscent of a Japanese kimono belt. The dead leaves, evading detection by Euchirinae must be dumbfounded. What seemed like birds and other natural enemies. Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 8 a leaf was actually a dead leaf butterfly, feasting on its The eye-catching side of their A remote, bountiful island attracting businesses and favorite tree sap. wings, on the other hand, is the young people through the ideas of islanders The wings of the dead leaf butterfly have an eye- same beautiful colors and pattern catching front but the reverse is completely differ- for all the species. Both the males Discovering new value in Japan’s satoyama habitats, 10 ent, resembling a plain withered leaf. This side even and females spread their wings and where people and nature coexist has a pattern that mimics the veins of a leaf. The fly boldly around their own territory. forewing tapers like a leaf’s pointed edge, and the It’s thought that the butterflies can hindwing has bumps resembling a leaf’s base. The recognize one another since they all Food connects the world 12 dead leaf butterfly was thus named for its ability to have the same showy pattern. What can science do for the future? What can we do? look just like a single withered leaf when it suddenly The butterflies close their wings closes its wings. to hide but spread them to show off On the front lines of disaster prediction 14 The dead leaf butterfly belongs to the nymphalid in their territory. The dead leaf but- family of butterflies. It measures up to 10 centime- terfly thus has different purposes Deepening the connection between science and society 16 ters when it closes its wings to resemble a withered for the two sides of its wings. SW and shaping the future leaf. It inhabits subtropical areas such as Taiwan and can be seen nearly year-round in Japan’s Okinawa Article cooperation: Prefecture. As it is a designated protected species of Kazuo Unno, Insect Photographer Okinawa, catching it is prohibited. and Chairman of the Society of Each butterfly has a different withered leaf pattern Scientific Photography SCIENCE WINDOW A science education magazine that children and adults can read together

he sense of excitement that comes from learning something that leaves us Tamazed or wondering “Why?” plants the seeds that help our minds grow Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into ones with a spirit of inquiry toward the world of nature. The Japan Sci- 17 Goals to Transform Our World ence and Technology Agency (JST) publishes the science education maga- zine Science Window with the aim of encouraging children and adults alike to The First annual Multistakeholder Forum on R&D achievements” and ask questions about their world and indulge their curiosity. This publication Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs “co-creating the future with is distributed to elementary, junior high, and high schools across Japan, and (STI Forum) was held on 6-7 June 2016, at the UN society by resolving issues” is also available free of charge on the JST website. Headquarters in New York, aiming to address how are highly compatible This is a special English edition featuring articles from recent Japanese the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) could with the SDGs which aim language issues that introduce the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to the implementation of the SDGs (“STI to “transform the society other fascinating topics. Japan’s contributions in the areas of science and for SDGs”). It is highly expected that, to achieve and realize a sustainable technology are important for the creation of a sustainable global society. We the SDGs, the STI play an indispensable role by society.” Therefore, JST hope that people around the world with an interest in this area, as well as in resolving various emerging issues we face and by set its action plans for education, will enjoy reading this magazine. providing scientific data and analysis for better playing a leading role Department for Promotion of Science in Society political decisions. in harnessing Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency “JST is an advanced network-based research Technology and Innovation institute promoting state-of-the-art R&D projects (STI) for the SDGs in Japan to co-create innovation for tomorrow’s world and for promoting the together with society. Based on the Science and establishment of a robust Technology Basic Plan adopted by the government, innovation ecosystem to JST implements various R&D programs and co-create the future society Science Window formulates strategies for co-creating the future with in Japan and across the Spring 2019 Production: Urban Connections society. Such missions of the JST as “maximizing world.” SW Special Issue - English Edition vol. 8 Cooperation: Bunkakobo, inc. President: Michinari Hamaguchi

2 Cover Photo: Toshimitsu Matsuhashi Illustration: Junichi Yamada Science Window 2019 | 3 Discover the ANCE BALfor the Regaining Future

lost brain Jun Morimoto Operating the robot through commands Jun became head of the The brain activity As these measured The features are Department of Brain 1 2 3 function Robot Interface at the ATR when the test values are recorded the extracted from this Computational Neuroscience subject imagines “raising distribution and strength is data, and the machine Laboratories in 2008. The their right arm” is processed as data. learns the classifier. for sensing photograph shows a lower measured with an EEG. exoskeleton robot currently under development. It supports movement patients having difficulty walking due to strokes or other issues and spurs the recovery of As it becomes closer to the When the bar exceeds a certain threshold brain functions. 4 5 A new target brain activity pattern of value, it produces a command to move the “raise the right arm,” the bar on the robot, and the robot moves its arm. rehabilitation display extends upward. is made in operation, there are still technique issues such as the lag when wearing the measuring instrument that could change the measurable brain activ- and its future ity patterns. Morimoto notes, “If many people use this and the measurement data increases, we’ll be able to grasp patterns and tendencies using big data analysis. I think it will be possible for anyone to easily use this in the future.”

The point of the The “sensory loop” restores 6 7 8 the brain training is to have a constant visual Why does controlling a robot with the of the subject’s brain help restore brain functions? brain activity There is a technology that enables the moving of machines ing movement ability, but also about Morimoto explains, “First, sensory infor- on the monitor. just by thinking. Research on this technology known as Brain aiding the recovery of brain functions. mation that movement occurred is sent By training and to the brain from the body. Second, the Machine Interface (BMI) has expanded our understanding of confirming how Selecting commands from the brain impetus for creating that sensory infor- well a person is imagining movement, even people who initially performed poorly the brain. Jun Morimoto of the Advanced Telecommunications Morimoto explains, “When we move our mation is one’s brain activity. This loop are able to pick up the technique and operate the robot. Research Institute International (ATR) is aiming to achieve the bodies, our bodies are always sending changes the brain.” recovery of brain functions lost through accidents or illnesses out some sort of information that we can Using outside force to move a para- pick up on. However, measurable brain- lyzed body was done before. Forming a through rehabilitation using robots as intermediaries. Both brain waves are so complicated they just look “brain activity loop,” entailing the brain Brain functions activity and bodily sensations play an important role. like noise at first glance. We first have to issuing a command based on one’s will detect the meaningful information using and then the brain receiving a sensa- change through the important process of decoding.” tion back that movement occurred, was repeated experiences The brainwave measuring device we impossible with older technology. Operating robots with brain activity well because their brain cannot send nor- use in our research only reads the infor- Morimoto says, “Within BRI research, it By using BRI to move BMI technology has been attracting mal commands. An instrument for mea- mation on the very surface of the brain. can happen that brain activity is respond- a body that lost the attention recently as it enables the direct suring brain activity affixed to the head It decodes information such as when ed to with sensory input that is different ability to move, exchange of information between the enables the user to determine the areas of to get up or sit down through advanced to that sent when the person moves nor- the experience brain and telecommunications devices. the body to move. If the measured brain analysis. However, it cannot go as far as mally. How does the brain respond when that movement Research into how brain activity can be activity approaches a particular state, it deducing information for controlling this happens? I think we will learn a lot of occurred used to operate a wheelchair was in the becomes a command to move the robot, the angle to bend the back or knees. new things going forward.” returns to news last year. The BMI technology for which in turn moves the paralyzed arms Despite this Morimoto’s research has the brain as a controlling humanoid robots is known or legs. Morimoto explains, “Because enabled their robot to automatically Brain functions change through skin and deep as Brain Robot Interface (BRI). patients just need to wear a light-weight achieve balanced movement to a certain repeated experiences sensory response. Morimoto’s research uses BRI to sup- EEG cap that measures brain activities, extent. If the robot is supporting the low- By using BRI to move a body that lost It is believed that port rehabilitation of patients who have physical burden is not significant.” er body, it has automatic control to pre- the ability to move, the experience that repetition of this conditions such as paralysis of half of the Though robots that can be moved by vent falling even if force is exerted from movement occurred returns to the brain will cause recovery and body due to a stroke, and aims to help thought alone have clear convenience the side, ensuring a high degree of safety. as a skin and deep sensory response. It is improvement of brain them recover and improve. Even if these benefits, this is not the true extent However, because everyone has believed that repetition of this will cause functions. patients have functioning muscles and of BRI research. Operating the robot unique brain activity, practice is neces- recovery and improvement of brain nerves, they cannot move their bodies through BRI is not simply about replac- sary for handling BRI. Even if progress functions. SW

4 Science Window 2019 | 5 Discover the Next-generation stand-alone ANCE BALfor the electrical power generated by Future transforming various forms of Energy harvesting examples Charged By improving Automatic faucets Wristwatches using the performance, solar energy into electricity electricity generated by the cell modules that previously took up a large water currents during use; the amount of space can now be incorporated Energy harvesting technology that produces electricity from familiar unutilized energy is garnering attention. motion detector and sensors into the small area of a wristwatch dial and An introduction to energy harvesting that is being increasingly used in various fields. turn the water lever. power the wristwatch.

These incorporate vibration-powered Manholes Shutters equipment and a rechargeable battery in the battery case. Energy harvesting is thus possible If a person even with equipment that gets caught within the shutters, is not directly compatible Power is generated from the manhole’s the sensors perceive this and with energy harvesting. day/night temperature difference and reverse the motor that powers Battery-powered generators used to measure the sewer’s water level. the shutters.

Types of power generation by energy harvesting Energy source Generation method Electromagnetic waves Solar power is a typical example of electricity generated using light. A rectenna (an antenna with a rectifier) (Visible light, radio waves, etc.) is a device that captures electrical waves such as TV or radio waves and changes them into electricity. Mechanical energy In addition to methods that use electromagnetic induction through magnets and coils in a similar way to a thermal (Vibrations, etc.) power station, there are also techniques that use a piezoelectric element, which creates electricity through the application of pressure.

Vibration power generation Generation devices and units Thermal energy This method uses a thermoelectric element that generates electricity when there is a different temperature on either (Temperature side. A thermoelectric element uses a semiconductor and junctions of several different metals. It is also commonly This is power generated Top: Photovoltaic cell modules, made by TDK Corporation, can even use difference) known as a Peltier element. using the vibrations from indoor lighting to generate electricity, and are made and used in a variety walking or riding on a bicycle. of forms. Other There are also methods of generating electricity by using the glucose within blood or the electrolytes in A flashing LED can increase Below: Thermoelectric generation transmission units, made by Yamaha (Bio-energy, etc.) gastric acid and urine, or by using the osmotic pressure difference between salt water and fresh water. visibility at night and result Corporation, contain a thermal electric generating device that generates in the prevention of traffic electricity using the temperature difference between the base of the device accidents. and the surrounding temperature. vesting technology in use. The first is ily conducted in the continent’s many the safety device of fire shutters. Energy stone buildings. Keiji Takeuchi harvesting is performed through a In the future, which areas can ener- device that, if something comes between gy harvesting use be extended to? It’s After graduating from Kyoto Energy harvesting, an old yet new example is the crystal radio, operated ible light and radio waves, mechanical the shutters, has a switch pressed and expected that it will be used in diverse University’s Graduate School of power generation technology solely through energy received from energy such as vibrations and thermal uses the generated power to temporarily fields including weather sensors in loca- Engineering, Keiji worked at a Energy harvesting technology gener- received radio waves. energy, and even the energy of living reverse the shutter movement. This also tions where it is difficult to supply elec- think tank and then at the NTT ates power by using unutilized energy, Though the 20th century was the “age things. The combination of used energy avoids a situation in which the shutters tricity as well as electricity for measuring Data Institute of Management such as light, vibrations, and waste of electricity”, energy harvesting tech- and generation techniques can be uti- can not move due to a dead battery. vitals like blood pressure and heart rate Consulting from 2010. Centered heat. Its biggest difference with renew- nology did not spread much since the lized for stand-alone power generation Another example is the water-con- during daily life. For example, there is on the communications field, able energy like solar and wind power power necessary to operate one device in a variety of scenarios. serving automated faucets often seen ongoing research into a method to power he also has experience with is the amount of power generated. For was quite large. However, electricity on top of innovative Japanese toilets, pacemakers using power generated from projects in diverse fields example, although power generation of requirements fell significantly with the Achieving a society with con- which allow you to wash your hands in the movement of the human heart itself. including energy, thousands of kilowatts is possible with “age of electronics” in the second half venience and safety in the near clean water that is then transported to Energy harvesting enabling stand- public services, one turbine, energy harvesting can yield of the 20th century. Devices that energy future through stand-alone power the toilet tank to be used for the next alone electricity will also play a major and e-business. He only microwatts to a few watts. Another harvesting previously lacked the capac- Stand-alone power from energy har- flush. The power used for the toilet sen- role in advancing a trillion-sensor IoT established the Energy difference is that energy harvesting can ity to power could now operate with just vesting has various merits, including sors and flush lever is generated from (internet of things) society. We might Harvesting Consortium be used for stand-alone power, uncon- a small amount of power in the micro- eliminating or lowering the incidence the water current that occurs when you not be far off from a world where a long- in 2010 and aims for swift nected to an existing power grid. watt to single-digit watt range. of changing out batteries and making flush. In addition, energy harvesting is term energy supply is possible through utilization and implementation Energy harvesting actually began Energy utilized in energy harvesting charging and wiring unnecessary. There used for light switches in Europe. The harvesting energy from the nearby envi- of energy harvesting. in the early 1900s. The representative includes electromagnetic waves like vis- are numerous examples of energy har- reason is that rewiring cannot be eas- ronment and converting it to power. SW

6 | Science Window 2019 | 7 Discover the ANCE Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture BALfor the A remote, bountiful island attracting businesses Future and young people through the ideas of islanders people on and off the island and more Opposite, Iki City, located on one of the remote islands of Nagasaki people moving to the island itself. Tatsunoshima Island (Photo: Iki City) Prefecture, Japan, is tackling its issues of population decline, Iki has unique environmental issues as a remote island. Because the city’s low birthrate, aging islanders, and lack of successors for its electricity is not connected to the Providing agricultural skill Iki city, Nagasaki industries by starting diverse initiatives founded on citizen mainland, it generates power from advice in remote lands two internal combustion power plants. (right) while monitoring dialogue and exchanges with people from off the island. Michihiro Shinozaki explains, “Because the harvesting situation energy becomes increasingly necessary through a surveillance as digitalization advances, environmen- camera (below) (remote tal awareness among the islanders is work support services). increasing regarding next-generation (Photos OPTiM) energy and energy conservation.”

Cultivating asparagus using advanced technology Iki will carry out a demonstration test on cultivation, transport, process transparency, sales, and increasing demand for its asparagus that has great value as an agricultural commodity. It was found that rather than expand- ing cultivated land area, people who engage in agriculture want to be able to take breaks and ensure they have time for their hobbies, childrearing, and regional exchange outside work. As a solution to reduce working hours, the city decided to collaborate with OPTiM Economy The ideal Iki City of 2030 A far-flung island facing a lack of which the national government is sup- social issues through AI, IoT and robots, Corp., a company that leverages IoT ⑤ ④ Local production for successors Attract new wholesale porting municipalities.” following on from the hunting society (1.0), and AI for agriculture. ① Smart agriculture companies through local consumption Iki City is a remote island located in *Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 17 agricultural society (2.0), industrial soci- At the demonstration test they plan transparency of production through the e-commerce the Sea of Japan, in the north part of goals and 169 targets advocated by the Unit- ety (3.0), and information society (4.0). to employ the “remote work support output market Nagasaki Prefecture. It is facing a low ed Nations to realize a sustainable world. service” streaming real-time images of birthrate, aging population and popula- Increasing the appeal of primary farmlands enabling the transmission tion decline. Its population of 26,857 as Considering Iki in 2030 industries through advanced of specialized techniques to the next of March 31, 2018 is expected to fall to Iki aims to realize its Iki Lively Inter- technology generation, and the “house informa- 18,000 by 2040. Kazunobu Ogawa, who active Society “Chic Society 5.0 in Iki” Comprehensive economic, social, and tion management service” to accurately Primary industries Secondary industries Tertiary industries works on policy planning at Iki City by 2030. The city has been conducting environmental initiatives are necessary assess water and fertilizer amounts as Hall, explains, “Although there are two international trade since before 2000. for realizing Iki’s aims for the SDGs. well as scattering schedule in houses ② Automated ③ Manufacturing transparency high schools on the island, about 90% of It is now promoting exchanges with “First, regarding economic initiatives, where asparagus is cultivated. transport in the city the graduates leave the island to pursue people off the island through dialogue. by introducing advanced technologies to higher education and employment.” It aims to create an “interactive soci- primary industries like agriculture and PR communicating Iki’s projects In order to improve this situation, the ety” through increasing opportunities fisheries, we are increasing the transpar- as a model for revitalization of Society Population Vision and General Strat- for exchange. ency of all industrial processes and aim- remote islands Communication Domestic and egy for Overcoming Population Decline Ogawa explains, “First we are elimi- ing for efficiency and zero waste. We can Iki aims to communicate to the world infrastructure Fostering and acquiring international PR with Environment and Vitalizing Local Economy in Iki nating primary industry problems foster successors by passing on special- the results of its initiatives to tackle the IoT human resources model projects and City was established in 2015. With it through advanced technologies like the ized techniques to the next generation. issues that arise on a remote island. It Energy human resources improvement the city aimed to revitalize industries, Internet of Things (IoT) and AI. We We are also increasing the appeals of is collaborating with Global Compact improve PR, and increase its exchanges are also thinking of creating a system primary industries by raising their pro- Network Japan (GCNJ), the Japanese with people off the island. Its major goal for electric vehicles to automatically ductivity and earning power.” organization of the United Nation’s is to maintain a population of 18,000 transport crops and enable senior citi- Social issues on the agenda include Global Compact, which works on through 2060 by offering support for zens to freely move about the island. We the low birthrate and aging popula- building frameworks to realize sustain- people from off the island to move there are further advancing the introduction tion. Islanders are conducting lively able growth by companies and organi- and receive child support, as well as of clean, sustainable, natural energy, interactive exchanges, and based on zations. While communicating its ini- industry promotion for agriculture, fish- incorporating diverse wisdom from off citizen-focused communities are nur- tiatives, Iki will undertake exchanges eries, and more. Ogawa adds, “So what the island, and creating a strong island turing IoT-savvy human resources who and mutual study with municipalities could we do to accelerate what the city unafraid of progress and change. This can leverage smart agriculture and and regions around the world that face Kazunori Ogawa, Michihiro Shinozaki, Issei Shinohara, has already undertaken? We focused on will be Iki in 2030.” manufacturing transparency. Through the same issues and work on similar Iki City Hall Iki City Hall Iki Miraizukuri Site the Sustainable Development Goals, for *Society 5.0: the new society that resolves this, there are more exchanges between projects. SW

8 | Science Window 2019 | 9 Discover the Discovering new value ANCE BALfor the in Japan’s satoyama Future habitats, where people The diverse benefits of biodiversity and nature coexist As Professor Izumi Washitani of Chuo University explains, “Today’s nature incorporates the complexities of both the natural and human worlds.” Following her experience researching ecosystems all over the world, Provides an environment for the foundation for life, including material cycles, soil formation, and photosynthesis Professor Washitani has rediscovered afresh the richness of Japan’s natural environment. Amidst the loss of many valuable ecosystems in recent years, the connection between humankind and nature is being re-examined from a new perspective.

Increasing diversity through conditions changed once Japan entered human intervention the period of rapid economic growth fol- How interested are you in the nearby nat- lowing World War II, and the economic Provides directly Provides natural Provides cultural Satoyama near Tsukizaki, Ichihara-shi, Chiba ural environment? Like many countries, value of satoyama began to dwindle. usable materials adjustment functions and psychological Satoyama are regions of mountains or forests the islands of Japan are rich in diversity Many paddy fields, which are a vital like food and such as water benefits such as that are used partly by humans. of life with plenty of environments in component of satoyama, had their irri- ingredients. purification and entertainment and A patchwork of various environments such as which to enjoy natural wonders. gation ditches covered with concrete pollen intermediaries. leisure. rice paddies, reservoirs, and woodland. History shows that humans have and lost their function as places for always lived using nature. The Japa- living things to inhabit and grow. Non- living things, has garnered much atten- society supports conservation of biodi- Cocklebur Hook and loop fasteners nese concept of satoyama as a cultural native invasive species began to spread tion in recent years. versity and initiatives there are making landscape refers to grasslands and for- diseases due to environmental changes With the last 200 years of moderniza- progress. Recently “citizen science,” in ests used to gather resources close to such as imported grass introduced for tion, the risk of extinction for various which the public participates in scien- areas inhabited by humans. Satoyama mechanical work occupying footpaths species has grown dramatically. Now is tific monitoring, has become popular habitats make up one quarter of Japan’s between rice fields, and eutrophica- the time to clearly understand the impor- with many active volunteers. landmass. Satoyama extend over a tion caused by excessive use of chemi- tance of biodiversity, a treasure trove of My laboratory also places high impor- mosaic of diverse environments includ- cal fertilizers. The rich diversity alive in wisdom, and we must pass these values tance on citizen science and undertakes Mosquito Needle ing paddy fields, water areas like reser- satoyama began to disappear. onto the next generation. Conservation research in collaboration with infor- voirs, and copses. The varying environ- As satoyama diversity continued to and restoration of nature are necessary matics researchers for a monitoring ments serve as habitats of diverse living dwindle, areas which for so long had for this, and we must increase our knowl- program on butterflies in Tokyo and things. Humans use satoyama to gather cultivated coexistence with human life, edge, understanding, and awareness of storks. Scientific understanding gained resources like firewood and edible wild a movement emerged to rediscover the satoyama and other related matters. through monitoring data leads to poli- plants, and have intervened to shape new value of natural diversity. Although Natural history is a focus of educa- cies and proposals. I have high hopes satoyama environments to make them there was practically no change in the tion in the United States and Europe, for the spread and development of citi- easier to use. Moderate human inter- prioritization of economic consider- particularly the United Kingdom. All zen science. SW Beehive Honeycomb vention actually helps ensure the diver- ations, the movement calls on people to structures sity of living creatures. recognize the importance of observing As satoyama lose their direct connection to For example, there is a satoyama and paying attention to nature. economic profit, she believes it is important called Sennen no Sougen at the base to ascertain and leverage more diverse values of Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture Wisdom gained from studying through culture and education. containing a grasslands area, forest and living things paddy field. Two pastures with nation- Since life began on Earth, living things ally owned livestock at the foot of Mount have evolved to adapt to their environ- Izumi Washitani Biomimicry Aso were managed as national projects. ment. They are the products of time and The structure of cockleburs that makes The grasslands necessary for raising diversification in order to survive. Eco- Professor at the Chuo University Faculty of Science them stick to clothing inspired Velcro horses are not naturally formed, but systems today are the result of about 3.5 and Engineering, and Professor Emeritus of the and other fasteners, while painless needles rather created through human interven- billion years of trial and error since the University of Tokyo. Together with extensive research were inspired by the mouthparts of tion and protected with periodic mainte- beginning of life itself. There is much regarding conservation and restoration of biodiversity mosquitos that discreetly pierce flesh. nance. Satoyama once had a direct con- wisdom to be had here, and much that in satoyama and water areas, she also works on The structure of a beehive has also inspired nection to each individual’s economic we should study. For instance biomim- diffusion activities and contributes to the preservation stronger building construction. In this activities, be it planting crops, raising icry, the study of creating new tech- of regional biodiversity and ecosystems. way, technology in various fields has been livestock or gathering firewood. However nologies by mimicking the functions of created through hints from living things.

10 | Photo: Izumi Washitani Science Window 2019 | 11 Discover the ANCE BALfor the Future

porarily deteriorated. Food is, after all, a life and death matter. Feelings of Different activities carried out by the Japan resentment were strong, and afterwards International Research Center for Agricultural drove cracks into relationships with a Sciences (JIRCAS). JIRCAS is the only institution variety of other countries. in Japan that researches agriculture, forestry, and Starvation changes people’s ways of fisheries in the tropics and developing regions. thinking and their behavior. If it means Being able to stabilize food production overseas their families will live longer, people no will also lead to political and economic benefits longer balk at the crime of stealing food for Japan. (Photos: JIRCAS) from a stranger. In regions that com- monly suffer from starvation, public security deteriorates, and that instabil- ity is linked to civil wars and conflict.

The importance of nutritional balance Agronomists such as Dr. Norman Borlaug, who led the “Green Revolution,” carried out research and developed high-yield grains to try and eliminate starvation around the world. As a result, they suc- ceeded in reducing the number of starv- ing people. However, even if there is enough food volume in terms of calories, by look- Food connects ing closely at the content of their food we can see clearly that there are a lot of people whose nutritional intake is becoming severely imbalanced. Lack- the world ing essential nutrients like vitamins, the number of people suffering from health What can science do for the future? problems has reached 2 billion. Left, top: People in Africa are aiming to increase rice production. Production technology and Increased production of principal crops that can be grown reliably even in the dry, minimally fertile environment of the tropics are grains such as wheat, rice, and corn being developed. Right, top: Aquaculture techniques that have been used in combination with What can we do? has been achieved through the coopera- multiple living organisms are being trialed in the Philippines. They are to prevent environmental tion of many agronomists, and they can degradation such as eutrophication caused by the coexistence of milkfish, edible sea cucumber, now be supplied cheaply. Yet the sup- and seaweed. Left, bottom: Cowpea in Nigeria. These have been bred to be strong for plentiful The mechanisms behind starvation Those inhabiting developed nations tend to worry more about menu ply of other crops has not substantially harvests, but in recent years a further increase in product value has led to a demand for higher- Present-day starvation occurs in areas choices than the threat of starvation. But why are there countries with improved. The principal grains have grade varieties. Right, bottom: Planted forests with native tree varieties in Southeast Asia. where the land itself makes daily food become able to fill people’s stomachs at Techniques for cultivation, resource management, and lineage selection are being developed, production difficult, but there are also an abundance of food and other countries without? very cheap prices, but as a result there and excess deforestation is being prevented, thereby improving productivity in farming and cases where civil wars, climate change, are many people whose nutritional bal- mountain villages. abnormal weather and other factors can ance is deteriorating. limit food production. For these food maintaining and increasing soil fertil- shortages due to sudden causes, the regions that do not have the luxury of think that if we lack food we can sim- What Japan can do today ity; developing cultivars with high nutri- Masa Iwanaga problem should be solvable by transport- such a social system. Thus, when hit by ply buy it, but if we do so, then coun- The world’s population is continuing to tional value; improving the efficiency of ing food from other regions. drought, disease or pests, their people tries that do not have that ability may increase. By 2050, we will need a food water use; developing food storage and Masa Iwanaga was born in Nagasaki Although it is now a developed can do nothing but starve. express resentment. In fact, because production increase of 60% or more over processing techniques; and developing Prefecture, Japan in 1951. After working nation, Japan has in fact experienced Japan imported large quantities of rice today’s levels. Though we have a his- techniques to reduce food waste. The in various international organizations, famine in the past. During the Edo Food inequality creates conflict from Thailand during the rice shortage tory of continuously cultivating more effects of each of these may be small, including the International Potato period (1603–1868), 1 million people Carefully studying the volume of food of 1993, the price of rice in Thailand and more land, the total area has not but it is vital that we realize a food sup- Center (CIP) and the International died of starvation. In present-day produced in the world today shows that increased and there were deaths from increased since the 1960s. There is no ply with both enough calories and nutri- Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), he Japan, starvation is no threat even if we produce just enough across the globe starvation among its poorer people. more land into which we can expand. tional value by combining these many became the first Asian to be appointed rice crops fail. For example, there was to support all of humanity. It has been Due to its different taste and being Therefore, in order to increase food techniques together. Director General of the International a shortage of rice in 1993, but govern- calculated that if the food produced considered overly fragrant, Thai rice production, we need to combine a vari- Fortunately, Japan possesses advanced Maize and Wheat Improvement Center ment measures brought in emergency around the world was equally spread was not popular in Japan and there ety of techniques, including: developing agricultural technologies. It can there- (CIMMYT) in 2002. Since 2011, he rice imports. Thanks to these imports among its people, there would be no were cases where rice was thrown away cultivars that are resistant to climate fore play an important role in ensuring has served as President of the Japan and substitutes including bread, not a more starvation on Earth. However, this as industrial waste after the shortage change, dryness and salt damage; devel- food supply stability and subsequently International Research Center for single Japanese person starved. How- is not yet happening. had been resolved. There was a back- oping measures against disease and peace in our highly interconnected Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). ever there are still many countries and In developed countries, we tend to lash from Thailand and relations tem- pests that do not rely on agrochemicals; world. SW

12 Science Window 2019 | 13 Being able to forecast when and Discover the On the front where a natural disaster will occur ANCE can considerably curb the damage BALfor the it will cause. Here we take a look at Future lines of disaster some of the front-line research that is attempting to anticipate various prediction natural disasters.

Announcing the definite, not possible, arrival of a tsunami Ascertaining space-time distortion using an (National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED)) ultrahigh-precision clock

During the 2011 earthquake that occurred off the Pacific coast of the (School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo, and the Katori Quantum Metrology Laboratory at RIKEN) Tohoku region, the actual tsunami that hit the area was larger than the height predicted and announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency The Theory of Relativity states that a clock ticks slower by potentially use them to observe movements in the earth’s (JMA) directly after the earthquake struck. In addition, since only the gravity. For example, if you place two clocks above ground crust such as volcanic activity and plate movements and height of tidal waves near the coast were being observed, it took some at a height difference of 1 cm, the two clocks tick differently. in various other applications. time for the JMA to realize that a huge tsunami was in fact approaching. However, this difference is “1 quintillionth of a second” per These and other factors delayed the evacuation of the area and resulted second and scientists haven’t been able to measure this Building a network of lattice clocks for extremely accurate time in an immense loss of lives. time lag on any existing clock. synchronization. (Image: Katori Laboratory) This led the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disas- University of Tokyo professor and RIK- ter Resilience (NIED) to develop a Seafloor observation network for EN chief scientist Hidetoshi Katori and earthquakes and tsunamis along the Japan Trench (S-net), which can his research group have developed two directly observe tsunamis that occur off the Pacific coast of east Japan. The 5,500km- strontium optical lattice clocks that can It uses sensors placed in ocean areas prone to tsunamis, and can accu- long S-net can match their frequencies to an accuracy rately and quickly notify authorities when a tsunami is forming. rapidly detect of 1 quintillionth. These ultrahigh-preci- S-net can also ascertain how the tsunami is expanding minute-by- earthquakes sion clocks can detect height differences minute. By using this tsunami information taken directly from the in around of 1 cm through frequency differences. ocean, and combining it with accumulated data on various tsunami 30 seconds, By building a network consisting of these patterns from the Tsunami Scenario Bank, it will be possible to more and tsunamis ultrahigh-precision clocks scientists will accurately forecast earthquake information such as the regions where in about 20 be able to not only achieve extremely the water will retract as a tsunami approaches. minutes. accurate time synchronization, but also

Predicting sudden heavy rainfall using the K computer Using tweets to mark signs of landslide disasters (Data Assimilation Research Team at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS)) (Sabo Department in the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (NILIM), at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)) Warning signs It is difficult to predict when sudden heavy downpours of slope failure • Small rocks fall in a scattered way will happen because there is only a short time from Landslide disasters are difficult to predict, occurring not only • Cracks become visible in the cliffs when the cumulonimbus clouds that cause such rain are with high rainfall but also because of the soil condition and • Water gushes from the cliffs formed until rainfall. The current weather forecast sys- topography, vegetation and a combination of several other • The gushing water stops or becomes muddy tem uses airspace, which is divided into 2 km meshes in factors. Though there are some advance warnings that indi- • Sound of the ground rumbling all directions, to calculate and forecast climate changes cate when a landslide will occur, such as the sound of the based on hourly data. However, even more precise analy- ground rumbling and an earthy smell, nearby residents often Warning signs • Cracks appear in the ground and it starts to sink sis is required to predict when unexpected torrential rain don’t report them so this information has not been used effec- of landslides • Cracks and unevenness appear in will occur. tively in disaster prevention. However, the spread of social buildings and other structures • Trees start to slant to the side Leader of the Data Assimilation Research Team (DA media has made it easier for residents to send out and share • Water gushes from the sloping ground team) at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science information via tweets and other SNS regarding advance • Water in wells and swamps become muddy (R-CCS) Takemasa Miyoshi and his colleagues have warnings and other strange occurrences around them. The • Sounds of the ground and mountains rumbling developed a new calculation method using highly pre- National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management cise simulations done on the K computer, based on vast (NILIM) at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport Warning signs • River water level sinks amounts of information from high-speed, high-density and Tourism (MLIT) has analyzed this information and con- of earth and debris slide • River water becomes muddy and contains pieces radars developed by the National Institute of Informa- firmed its potential usefulness in disaster prevention. of driftwood tion and Communications Technology (NICT) and Analyzing this information involves collecting and analyz- • Sound of the mountains rumbling Osaka University. Example of a simulation ing tweets that include the keyword of “disaster,” and combin- • Sounds of trees cracking and rocks crashing into Using 100m meshes and data taken every 30 seconds, of unexpected torrential ing this data with weather information and real time monitor- each other the DA team was able to successfully recreate in detail rain; the stronger the ing and observation data from sensors placed near landslide • Smell of rotten earth the movements of an actual sudden downpour. There rainfall, the deeper the areas and elsewhere. It is expected this type of analysis will are high hopes this method will be used to conduct red on the screen. make it possible to forecast the occurrence of landslides with *Prepared by the editing department using diagrams and charts from unprecedentedly precise analysis. (Image: RIKEN) a higher level of accuracy. the Government Public Relations Office of the Cabinet Office.

14 Science Window 2019 | 15 Discover the ANCE BALfor the Future

Science Agora is an open forum science and technology to enrich Deepening the that aims to deepen the connection each of our lives and what we between science and society can accomplish with science and connection between through discussions held by diverse technology, while overcoming science and society participants including the general barriers between academic fields public, researchers, specialists, and people with different social, and shaping media personnel, industry national, cultural, or generational representatives and government backgrounds. Here we will the future officials. JST holds the Science introduce two of the projects Agora under the vision of “a future implemented at the Telecom ALIVE WITH EXCITING PROJECTS. woven through dialogue between Center Building on November 10 SCIENCE AGORA 2018 science and daily life.” It was held and 11 from among the total of 120 https://www.jst.go.jp/sis/scienceagora/en/ for the 13th time in 2018. programs. November 9–11, 2018 Various exhibits and sessions *Agora means “public square” in Telecom Center Building and Miraikan (Odaiba, Tokyo) sparked thought on how to adopt ancient Greek.

Thinking about the future of regional communities leveraging drones Exhibit title: Drones Linking Us to the Future Exhibitor: KEIO Research Institute at SFC, Consortium for Co-Creation of Drone Collaborative Society

Researchers from many different fields participate in Keio University’s Consortium of Co-creation Drone Society. Programming Pepper Predicting that in the near future drones will be used with performers from as tools in our everyday life, the consortium conducts Yoshimoto (Provided technology development as well as activities toward drone by Yoshimoto Robotics education and implementation in society. Laboratory) It is now expected that drones will be utilized for aerial photography, spraying agricultural chemicals and luggage transportation. Going forward they will also be used Try programing Pepper during disasters and will probably transform industrial concepts. At the workshop it was discussed how we should the robot with a quiz solve regional issues through the use of drones. Following the discussion, participants could experience automated about the SDGs drone flight programmable by tablet. Exhibit title: Yoshimoto Robot Programming Workshop for SDGs Exhibitors: Yoshimoto Robotics Laboratory and the Secretariat of From the 2017 exhibit Science Agora “The First Drone”

Yoshimoto Robotics Laboratory holds its Pepper Programing Workshop at many different events. The workshop fosters problem-solving abilities, logical thinking and creativity through programming a robot, Pepper, to conduct various actions and conversations. At Science Agora, the workshop involved programming a robot with a quiz about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants thought of correct and incorrect answers for the SDGs quiz and programmed them into Pepper. It became an excellent opportunity for children to take an interest in the SDGs, important targets to ensure humankind’s continued existence on Earth.

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